Through satipa.t.thaana we can understand the meaning of kha.nika
mara.na. It points to anicaa sa~n~naa and this is closely connected
with anattaa sa~n~naa. We can understand that there is �affliction�
at each moment: seeing, anger, generosity, they all fall away as soon
as they have arisen. Hearing is naama, a citta that experiences
sound, it is not the ruupa that is sound, it is not the ruupa that is
earsense. Thinking of words that were spoken is different from
hearing. Understanding this, not only by reflection, but by direct
understanding of the characteristics of the elements as they appear
one at a time must lead to detachment. Clinging to the idea of "I,
mine" can decrease.
For me, the "Greater Discourse on the Elephant's Footprint" (M 28) is
an impressive illustration how satipa.t.thaana as a guiding principle
in our life can support siila. How it is a condition for harmony in
any community, for monks and laypeople.
< Ta~n-ce aavuso bhikku.m, pare akkosanti paribhaasanti rosenti
vihesenti, so eva.m pajaanaati:
So then if others abuse and scold and curse and threaten a bhikkhu,
he understands thus,
Upannaa kho me aya.m sotasamphassajaa dukkhaa vedanaa,
"This painful feeling born of ear-contact has arisen in me.
saa ca kho pa.ticca no appa.ticca, ki.m pa.ticca: phassa.m pa.ticca.
That is dependent, not independent. Dependent on what? Dependent on
contact."
So: phasso anicco ti passati, vedanaa aniccaa ti passati, sa~n~naa
aniccaa ti passati, sa"nkhaaraa aniccaa ti passati, vi~n~naana.m
aniccanti passati.>
Then he sees that contact is impermanent.."
the same for feeling, sa~n~naa, san"khaarakkhandha and vi~n~naa.na.
(translation of Wheel 101)
We then read:
< Tassa dhaataaramma.na.m-eva citta.m pakkhandati pasiidati
santi.t.thati adhimuccati>
And his mind enters into that very object (taking it just as an
impersonal) element, and acquires confidence, steadiness and decision
(herein). >
Knowing that what we see or hear are just conditioned elements that
are impermanent reminds us of the true Dhamma.
(to be continued)
with respect,
Nina.
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